Why publishers fear traffic, ad declines from Google’s AI-generated search results

As Google expands its new “AI Overview” feature, publishers are wondering to what degree AI-generated search results will negatively impact referral traffic. And while it’s too soon to tell the extent of the damage, some companies are hoping for more transparency from the search giant.

Following AI Overview’s rollout last week, some think the impact could be even worse than feared.

Raptive, which helps sell digital ads for 5,000 independent creators’ websites, initially estimated AI Overviews could cut visits by as much as 25% and cause the industry to lose $2 billion in annual ad revenue. However, Raptive chief innovation officer Marc McCollum now thinks that is “maybe [on the] very low end.” 

Continue reading this article on digiday.com. Sign up for Digiday newsletters to get the latest on media, marketing and the future of TV.